The molecular mechanisms of offspring effects from obese pregnancy.
Affiliation
UCD Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.Issue Date
2013Keywords
OBESITYPREGNANCY
MeSH
AdultEpigenesis, Genetic
Female
Fetus
Humans
Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Obesity
Phenotype
Pregnancy
Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
Metadata
Show full item recordCitation
The molecular mechanisms of offspring effects from obese pregnancy. 2013, 6 (2):134-45 Obes FactsJournal
Obesity factsDOI
10.1159/000350706PubMed ID
23571656Abstract
The incidence of obesity, increased weight gain and the popularity of high-fat / high-sugar diets are seriously impacting upon the global population. Billions of individuals are affected, and although diet and lifestyle are of paramount importance to the development of adult obesity, compelling evidence is emerging which suggests that maternal obesity and related disorders may be passed on to the next generation by non-genetic means. The processes acting within the uteri of obese mothers may permanently predispose offspring to a diverse plethora of diseases ranging from obesity and diabetes to psychiatric disorders. This review aims to summarise some of the molecular mechanisms and active processes currently known about maternal obesity and its effect on foetal and neonatal physiology and metabolism. Complex and multifactorial networks of molecules are intertwined and culminate in a pathologically synergistic manner to cause disruption and disorganisation of foetal physiology. This altered phenotype may potentiate the cycle of intergenerational transmission of obesity and related disorders.Item Type
ArticleLanguage
enISSN
1662-4033ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1159/000350706